Vibration effect on ball score test in international vs. national level table tennis

In table tennis, motor skills are crucial for discriminating player level. However, there is a dearth of studies exploring the impact of a vibrational stimulus on performance. Thirty-four male players (age 25 72 years; body mass index, BMI 23.4\ub11.2 kg\ub7m-2) participated in the study. Seventeen played at international level (IL), while the remaining 17 played at national level (NL). The participants underwent a ball-handling test, the ball score, before (PRE) and after (POST) a vibrational stimulus. Intra-class correlation (ICC) for the ball score result showed good reliability (ICC 0.87 for IL and 0.80 for NL). Repeated measures ANOVA showed differences between groups for ball score (p=0.000) and a significant group 7 time interaction (p=0.004). Better performances were observed for the IL group than for the NL group, significantly only for POST. Vibration produced positive and negative effects in IL and NL groups, respectively

Aerobic And Anaerobic Characteristics Of Brazilian Trained Table Tennis Players [características Aeróbias E Anaeróbias De Mesatenistas Brasileiros Treinados]

The purposes of this study were to determine the aerobic conditioning and anaerobic conditioning in trained table tennis players. Eigth Brazilian male table tennis players (18±2 years) participated of the study. Subjects performed graded exercise test in specific procedure to measure peak oxygen uptake (V̇ O2PEAK), intensity associated at V̇ O 2PEAK (iV̇ O2PEAK) and respiratoty conpensation point (RCP), and two repeated-sprint abilit tests (i.e., RAST and alactic anaerobic índex (AAI)), which were considered as anaerobic parameters. V̇ O2PEAK corresponded to 50.5±4.4ml kg-1 min -1, iV̇ O2PEAK to 52.1±9.6balls min -1 e o RCP 44.9±8.0balls min-1. Peak power (PP) and mean power (MP) relative to body mass (PPr and MPr, respectively) measured during RAST were 9.0±1.3W kg-1 and 7.0±0.9W kg -1, respectively, whereas AAI (i.e., ratio of blood lactate and average speed) was 1.14±0.51mM/m s-1. Thus, we can conclude that trained Brazilian table tennis players have moderated aerobic power, low anaerobic conditioning.241111119Allen, G.D., Physiological characteristics of elite Australian table tennis athletes and their responses to high level competition (1991) Journal of Human Movement Studies, 20 (3), pp. 133-147. , LondonBaleiunas, M., Stonkus, S., Abrantes, C., Sampaio, J., Long term effects of different training modalities on power, speed, skill and anaerobic capacity in young male basketball players (2006) Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, 5 (1), pp. 163-170. , http://www.jssm.org/vol5/n1/19/v5n1-19pdf.pdfBishop, D., Edge, J., Determinants of repeated-sprint ability in females matched for single-sprint performance (2006) European Journal of Applied Physiology, 97 (4), pp. 373-379. , DOI 10.1007/s00421-006-0182-0Girard, O., Chevalier, R., Leveque, F., Micallef, J.P., Millet, G.P., Specific incremental field test for aerobic fitness in tennis (2006) British Journal of Sports Medicine, 40 (9), pp. 791-796. , DOI 10.1136/bjsm.2006.027680Girard, O., Lattier, G., Micallef, J.-P., Millet, G.P., Changes in exercise characteristics, maximal voluntary contraction, and explosive strength during prolonged tennis playing (2006) British Journal of Sports Medicine, 40 (6), pp. 521-526. , DOI 10.1136/bjsm.2005.023754Girard, O., Sciberras, P., Habrard, M., Hot, P., Chevalier, R., Millet, G.P., Specific incremental test in elite squash players (2005) British Journal of Sports Medicine, 39 (12), pp. 921-926. , DOI 10.1136/bjsm.2005.018101Kondrič, M., Milić, R., Furjan-Mandić, G., Physiological anaerobic characteristics of Slovenian elite table tennis players (2007) Acta Universitatis Palackianae Olomucensis, 37 (3), pp. 69-78. , GymnicaKovacs, M.S., Tennis physiology: Training the competitive athlete (2007) Sports Medicine, 37 (3), pp. 189-198. , http://sportsmedicine.adisonline.com/pt/re/spo/pdfhandler. 00007256-200737030-00001.pdf;jsessionid= FnLBJvCG8HHflHnvknrTxXLlfP5sPQPdrwlHwhhfmjx21TJ9sSp4!428374954!-949856145!8091!- 1, DOI 10.2165/00007256-200737030-00001Lees, A., Science and the major racket sports: A review (2003) Journal of Sports Sciences, 21 (9), pp. 707-732. , DOI 10.1080/0264041031000140275Loures, J.P., Kalva Filho, C.A., Franco, V.H., Bittencourt, D., Kaminagakura, E.I., Papoti, M., Correlation between running anaerobic sprint test and anaerobic work capacity in soccer players (2008) International Journal of Exercise Science, 5 (1), pp. 42-42. , Bowling GreenMorel, E.A., Zagatto, A.M., Adaptação dos testes de lactato mínimo, potência crítica e limiar anaeróbio para avaliação da transição anaeróbia- anaeróbia em protocolo específico para o tênis de mesa (2008) Revista Brasileira de Medicina do Esporte, 14 (6), pp. 518-522. , São PauloRoetert, P.E., Brown, S.W., Piorkowskil, P.A., Woods, R.B., Fitness comparisons among three different levels of elite tennis players (1996) The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 10 (3), pp. 139-143. , Colorado SpringsRoseguini, A.Z., Silva, A.S.R., Gobatto, C.A., Determinacões e relacões dos parâmetros anaerobios do RAST, do limiar anaerobio e da resposta lactacidemica obtida no inicio, no intervalo e ao final de uma partida oficialde handebol (2008) Revista Brasileira de Medicina do Esporte, 14 (1), pp. 46-50. , São PauloSilva, A.S.R., Santhiago, V., Papoti, M., Gobatto, C.A., Psychological, biochemical and physiological responses of Brazilian soccer players during a training program (2008) Science and Sports, 23 (2), pp. 66-72. , DOI 10.1016/j.scispo.2007.10.010, PII S0765159707001451Smekal, G., Von Duvillard, S.P., Rihacek, C., Pokan, R., Hofmann, P., Baron, R., Tschan, H., Bachl, N., A physiological profile of tennis match play (2001) Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 33 (6), pp. 999-1005Sochomel, A., A comparison of exercise intensity on different player levels in table tennis (2010) International Journal of Table Tennis Sciences, (6), pp. 79-82. , JapãoSperlich, B., Koehler, K., Holmberg, H.C., Zinner, C., Mester, J., Table tennis: Cardiorespiratory and metabolic analysis of match and exercise in elite junior national players (2011) International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 6 (2), pp. 234-242. , ChampaignZagatto, A.M., Miranda, M.F., Gobatto, C.A., Critical power concept adapted for the specific table tennis test: Comparisons between exhaustion criteria, mathematical modeling, and correlation with gas exchange parameters (2011) International Journal of Sports Medicine, 32 (7), pp. 503-510. , Stuttgart 2011Zagatto, A.M., Morel, E.A., Gobatto, C.A., Physiological responses and characteristics of table tennis match determined in official tournaments (2010) Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 24 (4), pp. 942-949. , Colorado SpringsZagatto, A.M., Papoti, M., Caputo, F., Mendes, O.C., Denadai, B.S., Baldissera, V., Gobatto, C.A., Comparação entre a utilização de saliva e sangue para determinação do lactato mínimo em cicloergômetro e ergômetro de braço em mesa-tenistas (2004) Revista Brasileira de Medicina do Esporte, 10 (6), pp. 475-480. , São PauloZagatto, A.M., Papoti, M., Gobatto, C.A., Validity of critical frequency test for measuring table tennis aerobic endurance through specific protocol (2008) Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, 7 (4), pp. 461-466. , AnkaraZagatto, A.M., Papoti, M., Gobatto, C.A., Anaerobic capacity may not be determined by critical power model in elite table tennis players (2008) Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, 7 (1), pp. 54-59. , AnkaraZagatto, A.M., Papoti, M., Gobatto, C.A., Comparacão entre ergômetros específico e convencionais na determinacão da capacidade aeróbia de mesatenistas (2009) Revista Brasileira de Medicina do Esporte, 15, pp. 204-208. , São PauloZagatto, A.M., Beck, W.R., Gobatto, C.A., Validity of the running anaerobic sprint test for assessing anaerobic power and predicting short-distance performances (2009) The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 23 (6), pp. 1820-1827. , Colorado Spring

Body composition of table tennis players: comparison between performance level and gender

The purpose of this study was to compare whole-body and segmental body composition variables of trained Brazilian table tennis players, according to different performance levels and gender. Sixty-four table tennis players (45 male and 19 female) were distributed in three groups according to performance level: international level players (ILP; 12 male; 8 female), national level players (NLP; 14 male; 6 female) and regional level players (RLP; 19 male; 5 female). The anthropometry measurements and body composition analysis were performed using Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Male players demonstrated higher fat-free mass (FFM), and lower fat mass (FM) and body fat percentage (\ubf, p < 0.05) compared to female players in all competitive levels, however, non-significant differences were found between whole-body composition and performance level. In the comparison between the dominant and non-dominant arms, FFM, fat-free soft tissue mass (FFSTM) and bone mineral density (BMD) were higher in the dominant arm (p < 0.05) compared to the non-dominant arm in all competitive levels, however, the male ILP group presented lower FFM and FFSTM in the dominant arm compared to the NLP, while the female ILP group presented higher BMD compared to the NLP and RLP. In conclusion, male table tennis players presented higher FFM and lower FM and \ubf than female players and the dominant arm presented higher FFM and BMD than the non-dominant, possibly due to the mechanical impact-load imposed by time of table tennis practice

Analysis Of Cardiopulmonary And Metabolic Variables Measured During Laboratory And Sport-specific Incremental Tests For Table Tennis Performance Prediction

Purpose: The purposes of this study were: i) to compare the physiological responses measured during a specific table tennis incremental test with the physiological responses measured during cycling, arm cranking, and treadmill running tests; and ii) to verify the accuracy of table tennis performance prediction based on the physiological responses from these tests. Methods: Eleven national level male table tennis players participated in the study and undertook incremental tests using ergometers. Table tennis performance was defined as the ranking obtained during a simulated tournament between the participants. Results: In general, peak values for physiological variables (e.g., V̇O2PEAK and [La]PEAK) were significantly lower (P<0.05) in the specific test (e.g., V̇O2PEAK =39.9±1.5ml·kg-1 per minute and [La]PEAK=6.4±0.5mmol·L-1) than during cycling (e.g., V̇O2PEAK =41.3±1.4ml·kg-1 per minute and [La]PEAK=10.2±0.7mmol·L-1) or running (e.g., V̇O2PEAK =43.9±1.5ml·kg-1 per minute and [La]PEAK=10.0±0.7mmol·L-1), but higher than during arm cranking (e.g., V̇O2PEAK =26.6±1.6ml·kg-1 per minute and [La]PEAK=8.9±0.6mmol·L-1). At respiratory compensation point intensity (RCP), only the variables measured on arm cranking were lower (P<0.05) than on the other ergometers. Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed significant correlation between table tennis performance and lactate concentration ([La]) and also rate of perceived effort (RPE) at RCP during cycling (r=0.89; P<0.05). Conclusion: In conclusion, the significant differences obtained between the specific and laboratory ergometers demonstrate the need to use a specific test to measure physiological parameters in table tennis and the physiological parameters measured, independent of the ergometer used, are unable to predict table tennis performance. © 2013 Elsevier Masson SAS.2926270Girard, O., Chevalier, R., Leveque, F., Micallef, J.P., Millet, G.P., Specific incremental field test for aerobic fitness in tennis (2006) Br J Sports Med, 40, pp. 791-796Girard, O., Lattier, G., Micallef, J.P., Millet, G.P., Changes in exercise characteristics, maximal voluntary contraction, and explosive strength during prolonged tennis playing (2006) Br J Sports Med, 40, pp. 521-526Lees, A., Science and the major racket sports: a review (2003) J Sports Sci, 21, pp. 707-732Zagatto, A.M., Morel, E.A., Gobatto, C.A., Physiological responses and characteristics of table tennis matches determined in official tournaments (2010) J Strength Cond Res, 24, pp. 942-949Girard, O., Sciberras, P., Habrard, M., Hot, P., Chevalier, R., Millet, G.P., Specific incremental test in elite squash players (2005) Br J Sports Med, 39, pp. 921-926Steininger, K., Wodick, R.E., Sports-specific fitness testing in squash (1987) Br J Sports Med, 21, pp. 23-26Wilkinson, M., Leedale-Brown, D., Winter, E.M., Validity of a squash-specific fitness test (2009) Int J Sports Physiol Perform, 4, pp. 29-40Smekal, G., Pokan, R., Von Duvillard, S.P., Baron, R., Tschan, H., Bachl, N., Comparison of laboratory and "on-court" endurance testing in tennis (2000) Int J Sports Med, 21, pp. 242-249Cooke, K., Davey, P., Predictors of oxygen uptake and performance during tennis (2008) Int J Sports Med, 29, pp. 34-39Morel, E.A., Zagatto, A.M., Adaptation of lactate minimum test, critical power and anaerobic threshold to measure the aerobic/anaerobic transition in specific tests for table tennis (2008) Rev Bras Med Esporte, 14, pp. 518-522Zagatto, A., Miranda, M.F., Gobatto, C.A., Critical power concept adapted for the specific table tennis test: comparisons between exhaustion criteria, mathematical modeling, and correlation with gas exchange parameters (2011) Int J Sports Med, 32, pp. 503-510Zagatto, A.M., Papoti, M., Gobatto, C.A., Validity of critical frequency test for measuring table tennis aerobic endurance through specific protocol (2008) J Sports Sci Med, 7, pp. 461-466Zagatto, A.M., Papoti, M., Gobatto, C.A., Comparison between specific and conventional ergometers in the aerobic capacity determination in table tennis players (2009) Rev Bras Med Esporte, 15, pp. 204-208Sperlich, B., Koehler, K., Holmberg, H.C., Zinner, C., Mester, J., Table tennis: cardiorespiratory and metabolic analysis of match and exercise in elite junior national players (2011) Int J Sports Physiol Perform, 6, pp. 234-242Zagatto, A.M., Gobatto, C.A., Relationship between anaerobic parameters provided from MAOD and critical power model in specific table tennis test (2012) Int J Sports Med, 33, pp. 613-620Borg, G.A., Psychophysical bases of perceived exertion (1982) Med Sci Sports Exerc, 14, pp. 377-381Billat, L.V., Koralsztein, J.P., Significance of the velocity at VO2max and time to exhaustion at this velocity (1996) Sports Med, 22, pp. 90-108Wasserman, K., Whipp, B.J., Koyl, S.N., Beaver, W.L., Anaerobic threshold and respiratory gas exchange during exercise (1973) J Appl Physiol, 35, pp. 236-243Rowntree, D., (2000) Statistics without tears. An introduction for non-mathematicians, , Penguin, LondonBaron, R., Petschnig, R., Bachl, N., Raberger, G., Smekal, G., Kastner, P., Catecholamine excretion and heart rate as factors of psychophysical stress in table tennis (1992) Int J Sports Med, 13, pp. 501-505Roels, B., Schmitt, L., Libicz, S., Bentley, D., Richalet, J.P., Millet, G., Specificity of VO2max and the ventilatory threshold in free swimming and cycle ergometry: comparison between triathletes and swimmers (2005) Br J Sports Med, 39, pp. 965-968Tordi, N., Belli, A., Mougin, F., Rouillon, J.D., Gimenez, M., Specific and transfer effects induced by arm or leg training (2001) Int J Sports Med, 22, pp. 517-524Forbes, S.C., Chilibeck, P.D., Comparison of a kayaking ergometer protocol with an arm crank protocol for evaluating peak oxygen consumption (2007) J Strength Cond Res, 21, pp. 1282-1285Toriola, A.L., Toriola, O.M., Igbokwe, N.U., Validity of specific motor skills in predicting table-tennis performance in novice players (2004) Percept Mot Skills, 98, pp. 584-58

The effects of structural and technical constraints on the profiles of football-based passing drill exercises: suggestions for periodization planning and skill development

Objectives: The aim of this study was to profile the physiological, time motion and technical responses induced by football passing drills and to analyze the influence of structural and technical constraints. Methods: Twenty-two male footballers performed five sets of intermittent passing drill bouts lasting 3 min each, interspersed by 1 min of passive recovery. The experimental protocols consisted of either a triangle-shaped or a Y-shaped drill format, in which the number of players (eight vs. six) and the technical demands (single vs. double pass) were manipulated. The physiological responses (heart rate [HR], rating of perceived exertion [RPE]), external load measures (GPS related) and technical performances (pass speed and accuracy) were analyzed. Results: The results highlighted specific profiles for the experimental protocols: (1) a higher number of players involved led to greater internal and external load responses and higher technical scores and (2) additional technical requirements, such as for the double-pass task, determined lower internal load responses and a greater amount of acceleration and deceleration actions, but trivial or unclear effects on the technical performances. Conclusions: In light of these outcomes, coaches could include passing drill formats with a variable number of players and technical demands, within appropriate long-term programs that address both physical adaptations and skill development

Assessment Of Aerobic Capacity Through Blood And Ventilatory Responses In Four Different Ergometers [avaliação Da Capacidade Aeróbia Determinada Por Respostas Sanguíneas E Ventilatórias Em Quatro Differentes Ergômetros]

The objective of the study was to compare intensities of respiratory compensation point (RCP), anaerobic threshold at onset blood lactate accumulation (OBLA3,5), and anaerobic threshold at lactate abrupt increase (AnTLAC) determined in four different ergometers. Hence, eleven table tennis players (19±1 years) performed graded exercise tests on cycle ergometer, arm cranking ergometer, treadmill and specific table tennis test. Te respiratory response and lactatemia were measured during the tests. We did not find significant differences among RCP, AnTLAC and OBLA3,5 in arm cranking ergometer (63.4±4.8W, 66.9±4.5W and 64.5±6.1W, respectively), treadmill (11.4±0.4km.h-1, 11.3±0.3km.h-1 and 11.1±0.3km.h-1, respectively), and specific table tennis test (40.5±1.8bolas.min-1, 42.6±3.6bolas.min-1 and 42.8±5.6bolas.min-1, respectively). However, the OBLA3,5 (131.9±6.6W) was significantly lower than RCP (149.3±4.9W) and AnTLAC (149.3±4.7W) in the cycle ergometer. Strong and significant correlation coefficients were found in the specific test for all methods (r range 0.83 to 0.95), in arm cranking ergometer between RCP and OBLA3,5 (r=0.78), and on treadmill running between OBLA3,5 a n d A n T LAC (r=0.76). Therefore, we conclude that RCP, OBLA3,5 a n d A nT LAC seem to correspond to the same physiological phenomenon, mostly during specific table tennis test.153350360Heck, H., Mader, A., Hess, G., Mücke, S., Muller, R., Hollmann, W., Justifcation of the 4-mmol/l lactate threshold (1985) Int J Sports Med, 6, pp. 117-130Beneke, R., Methodological aspects of maximal lactate steady state-implications for performance testing (2003) Eur J Appl Physiol, 89, pp. 95-99Zagatto, A.M., Papoti, M., Gobatto, C.A., Validity of critical frequency test for measuring table tennis aerobic endurance through specific protocol (2008) J Sports Sci Med, 7, pp. 461-466Sotero, R.C., Cunha, V.N.C., Madrid, B., Sales, M.M., Moreira, S.R., Simões, H.G., Identifca-ção do lactato mínimo de corredores adolescentes em teste de pista de três estágios incrementais (2011) Rev Bras Med Esporte, 17, pp. 119-122Baron, B., Noakes, T.D., Dekerle, J., Moullan, F., Robin, S., Matran, R., Why does exercise terminate at the maximal lactate steady state intensity? (2008) Br J Sports Med, 42, pp. 528-533Billat, L.V., Use of blood lactate measurements for prediction of exercise performance and for control of training. Recommendations for long-distance running (1996) Sports Med, 22, pp. 157-175Coyle, E.F., Coggan, A.R., Hopper, M.R., Walters, T.J., Determinants of endurance in well-trained cyclists (1988) J. Appl Physiol, 64, pp. 2622-2630Secher, N.H., Physiological and biomechanical aspects of rowing - implications for training (1993) Sports Med, 15, pp. 24-42Morel, E.A., Zagatto, A.M., Adaptação dos testes de lactato mínimo, potência crítica e limiar anaeróbio para avaliação da transição aeróbia-anaeróbia em protocolo específco para o tênis de mesa (2008) Rev Bras Med Esporte, 14, pp. 518-522Zagatto, A.M., Papoti, M., Caputo, F., Mendes, O.C., Denadai, B.S., Baldissera, V., Comparação entre a utilização de saliva e sangue para determinação do lactato mínimo em cicloergômetro e ergômetro de braço em mesa-tenistas (2004) Rev Bras Med Esporte, 10, pp. 475-480Pereira, R.R., Papoti, M., Zagatto, A.M., Gobatto, C.A., Validação de dois protocolos para determinação do limiar anaeróbio em natação (2002) Motriz, 8, pp. 63-68Meyer, T., Lucia, A., Earnest, C.P., Kindermann, W., A conceptual framework for performance diagnosis and training prescription from submaximal gas exchange parameters--theory and application (2005) Int J Sports Med, 26 (SUPPL. 1), pp. S38-S48Wasserman, K., Whipp, B.J., Koyl, S.N., Beaver, W.L., Anaerobic threshold and respiratory gas exchange during exercise (1973) J Appl Physiol, 35, pp. 236-243Zagatto, A.M., Miranda, M., Gobatto, C.A., Critical power concept adapted for the specific table tennis test: Comparisons between exhaustion criteria, mathematical modeling, and correlation with gas exchange parameters (2011) Int J Sports Med, 32, pp. 503-510Girard, O., Chevalier, R., Leveque, F., Micallef, J.P., Millet, G.P., Specific incremental field test for aerobic fitness in tennis (2006) Br J Sports Med, 40, pp. 791-796Roels, B., Schmitt, L., Libicz, S., Bentley, D., Richalet, J.P., Millet, G., Specificity of VO2MAX and the ventilatory threshold in free swimming and cycle ergometry: Comparison between triathletes and swimmers (2005) Br J Sports Med, 39, pp. 965-968Beneke, R., von Duvillard, S.P., Determination of maximal lactate steady state response in selected sports events (1996) Med Sci Sports Exerc, 28, pp. 241-246Tordi, N., Belli, A., Mougin, F., Rouillon, J.D., Gimenez, M., Specific and transfer effects induced by arm or leg training (2001) Int J Sports Med, 22, pp. 517-524Dekerle, J., Baron, B., Dupont, L., Vanvelcenaher, J., Pelayo, P., Maximal lactate steady state, respiratory compensation threshold and critical power (2003) Eur J Appl Physiol, 89, pp. 281-288Faude, O., Kindermann, W., Meyers, T., Lactate threshold concepts. How valid are they (2009) Sports Med, 39, pp. 469-490Matsumoto, I., Araki, H., Tsuda, K., Odajima, H., Nishima, S., Higaki, Y., Tanaka, H., Shindo, M., Effects of swimming training on aerobic capacity and exercise induced bronchoconstriction in children with bronchial asthma (1999) Torax, 54, pp. 196-201Macintosh, B.R., Esau, S., Svedahl, K., Te lactate minimum test for cycling: Estimation of the maximal lactate steady state (2002) Can J Appl Physiol, 27, pp. 232-249Kindermann, W., Simon, G., Keul, J., Te significance of the aerobic-anaerobic transition for the determination of work load intensities during endurance training (1979) Eur J Appl Physiol Occup Physiol, 42, pp. 25-34McDaniels, J., Durstine, J.L., Hand, G.A., Martin, J.C., Determinants od metabolic cost during sub maximal cycling (2002) J Appl Plysiol, 93, pp. 823-828Tokui, M., Hirakoba, K., Effect of internal power on muscular efficiency during cycling exercise (2007) Eur J Appl Physio, 101, pp. 565-57

Performance and Metabolic Demand of a New Repeated-Sprint Ability Test in Basketball Players: Does the Number of Changes of Direction Matter?

Zagatto, AM, Ardig\uf2, LP, Barbieri, FA, Milioni, F, Dello Iacono, A, Camargo, BHF, and Padulo, J. Performance and metabolic demand of a new repeated-sprint ability test in basketball players: does the number of changes of direction matter? J Strength Cond Res 31(9): 2438-2446, 2017-This study compared 2 repeated-sprint ability (RSA) tests in basketball players. Both tests included 10 7 30-m sprints, with the difference that the previously validated test (RSA2COD) featured 2 changes of direction (COD) per sprint, whereas the experimental test (RSA5COD) featured 5 CODs per sprint. Test performances and metabolic demands were specifically assessed in 20 basketball players. First, RSA5COD test-retest reliability was investigated. Then, RSA2COD, RSA5COD sprint times, peak speeds, oxygen uptake (V[Combining Dot Above]O2) and posttest blood lactate concentration [La] were measured. The RSA5COD results showed to be reliable. RSA2COD performance resulted better than the RSA5COD version (p 0.05). Over whole bout, the RSA2COD was more demanding than the RSA5COD, considering overall metabolic power requirement (i.e., VO2-driven + [La]-driven components). Given that RSA5COD (a) mimics real game-play as sprint distance and action change frequency/direction and (b) has the same metabolic expenditure per task completion as metabolic cost, RSA5COD is a valuable option for players and coaches for training basketball-specific agility and assessing bioenergetic demands

Can a Repeated Sprint Ability Test Help Clear a Previously Injured Soccer Player for Fully Functional Return to Activity? A Pilot Study

Objective: To investigate the effects of fatigue induced by a repeated sprint ability (RSA) test on the neuromuscular responses of soccer players with a recent history of lower limb injuries (CH) and a matched control group in good fitness condition (GH). Design: This was a case-control study. Participants: Nine CH and 9 GH. Independent Variable: Allocation to CH or GH. Main Outcome Measures: Each player was assessed for blood lactate concentration and jumping performance [squat jump (SJ) and countermovement jump (CMJ)] before/after RSA. Post-RSA rate of perceived exertion (RPE) was obtained. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed to calculate RSA sensitivity and specificity in distinguishing between CH and GH. Intraclass correlation coefficient was used to assess reliability. Results: No baseline differences were found for any variable. triangle SJ before/after RSA was -14 +/- 2% and -5 +/- 2% in CH and GH, respectively (P < 0.05). triangle CMJ before/after RSA was -15 +/- 2% and -7 +/- 2% in CH and GH, respectively (P < 0.05). triangle SJ-based and triangle CMJ-based (before/after RSA) area under curve (AUC) resulted in 0.90 +/- 0.07 and 0.86 +/- 0.09, respectively, with both AUCs differentiating between CH and GH with 77.78% sensitivity and 88.89% specificity. Pooled AUC resulted in 0.88 +/- 0.06. Intraclass correlation coefficient was high (0.85/0.97). Conclusions: Repeated sprint ability is a simple, low-cost field test potentially able to assist in clinical decision making for return to sport

Repeated sprint ability related to recovery time in young soccer players

This study aimed to describe the influence of recovery duration during a repeated sprint ability (RSA) test (6\ua0 7\ua040\ua0m) by investigating a number of variables, such as general performance, metabolic demand, and muscular stretch-shortening performance. Seventeen male soccer outfield players (16\ua0\ub1\ua00 years, 66\ua0\ub1\ua010\ua0kg) performed three field shuttle-running tests with 15, 20, and 25-sec recoveries. In addition to specific shuttle test's variables, blood lactate concentration and vertical jump height were assessed. Resulting measures were highly reliable (intra-class correlation coefficient up to 0.86). 25-sec recovery improved test performance (-3% total time from 15-sec to 25-sec recovery), vertical jump height (+7% post-test height from 15-sec to 25-sec recovery), and decreased blood lactate accumulation (-33% post-test from 15-sec to 25-sec recovery). Study findings suggest that metabolic acidosis plays a role in worsening performance and fatigue development during the shuttle test. A 25-sec recovery duration maximized performance, containing metabolic-anaerobic power involvement and muscular stretch-shortening performance deterioration during a RSA test